Types Of Solar Cells Research Articles

Research on the Improvement of Solar Cell Performance by Low-Dimensional Semiconductor Nanomaterials

With the depletion of non-renewable resources, renewable energy sources like solar energy and hydrogen will play an important role in the future. Efficient and stable utilization of these energy sources has become a primary focus of research. Low-dimensional semiconductor nanomaterials, including quantum dots, nanowires, and thin films, exhibit unique properties due to their size being close to or smaller than certain characteristic lengths of the material. As the dimensionality decreases, quantum effects become more pronounced, leading to significant changes in the material's electronic, optical, and thermal properties. This paper focuses on the improvement of the performance of various types of solar cells through the unique properties of low-dimensional semiconductor nanomaterials while discussing the challenges in their application. This study shows that low-dimensional nanostructured semiconductor materials can enhance the performance of solar cells in energy conversion efficiency, stability and lifespan, providing new directions and methods for future solar technology development

Optimization of Texturisation Parameters for Enhanced Efficiency of PERC Type Solar Cell Produced Using Diamond Wire Saw Wafers

Optimization of Texturisation Parameters for Enhanced Efficiency of PERC Type Solar Cell Produced Using Diamond Wire Saw Wafers

Unveiling the Influence of Hot Carriers on Photovoltage Formation in Perovskite Solar Cells

The experimental and theoretical study of photovoltage formation in perovskite solar cells under pulsed laser excitation at 0.53 μm wavelength is presented. Two types of solar cells were fabricated on the base of cesium-containing triple cation perovskite films: (1) Csx(FA0.83MA0.17)(1−x)Pb(I0.83Br0.17)3 and (2) Csx(FA0.83MA0.17)(1−x)Pb0.8Sn0.2(I0.83Br0.17)3. It is found that photovoltage across the solar cells consists of two components, U = Uph + Uf. The first one, Uph, is the traditional photovoltage arising due to laser radiation-induced electron-hole pair generation. The second one, Uf, is the fast component following the laser pulse and has a polarity opposite to that of Uph. It is shown that the fast photovoltage component results from the laser radiation-caused heating of free carriers. The transient photovoltage measurements show that the values of the fast component Uf are nearly the same in both types of perovskite solar cells. The magnitude of the traditional photovoltage of mixed Pb-Sn perovskite solar cells is lower than that of Pb-based cells.

Photovoltaic Effect and Efficiency of Perovskite Solar Cells

Recently, the solar cells have become a hotspot as the solar power is becoming more and more popular. There are many types of solar cells. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs), as a type of solar cell, use perovskite type semiconductors as the light absorbing materials. PSCs exhibit high efficiency and stability. The performance of solar cells could be evaluated by the photovoltaic effect. Therefore, the research on the photovoltaic effect of perovskite solar cells is of importance. This essay gives a brief introduction to the composition and structure of perovskite solar cells. Then, it introduces the photovoltaic effect of perovskite solar cells in two parts which include working principle and efficiency of PSCs. In order to further elucidate the mechanism of PSCs, the influencing factors of photovoltaic effect are discussed. Meanwhile, the limitations and challenges of perovskite solar cells are outlined. Besides, the future development trend regarding these issues is outlined. This work will help to promote further development of this field.

Enhancing Solar Cell Efficiency through Quantum Dots and Emerging Photovoltaic Technologies

As the world strives for carbon neutrality, solar energy has become a central focus for reducing emissions. However, the efficiency of solar cells is constrained by the Shockley-Queisser limit, limiting their broader adoption. Quantum dots (QDs), nanoscale semiconductor particles with unique size-dependent properties, offer a promising solution to enhance solar cell performance by improving light absorption and enabling multiple exciton generation. This paper explores the application of QDs in improving solar cell efficiency, focusing on their ability to broaden the absorption spectrum and generate multiple electron-hole pairs per photon. Various synthesis methods—such as colloidal synthesis, epitaxial growth, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD)—are discussed, highlighting how each impacts the size, shape, and properties of QDs. The paper reviews key types of QD-based solar cells, including QD-sensitized, thin-film, and perovskite-enhanced cells, which have demonstrated significant improvements in power conversion efficiency. Additionally, challenges such as high production costs, stability issues, and the toxicity of lead-based QDs are addressed, along with emerging trends in non-toxic alternatives and potential commercialization in areas like building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and wearable electronics.

DSSCs Sensitized with Phenothiazine Derivatives Containing 1H-Tetrazole-5-acrylic Acid as an Anchoring Unit.

Phenothiazine-based photosensitizers bear the intrinsic potential to substitute various expensive organometallic dyes owing to the strong electron-donating nature of the former. If coupled with a strong acceptor unit and the length of N-alkyl chain is appropriately chosen, they can easily produce high efficiency levels in dye-sensitized solar cells. Here, three novel D-A dyes containing 1H-tetrazole-5-acrylic acid as an acceptor were synthesized by varying the N-alkyl chain length at its phenothiazine core and were exploited in dye-sensitized solar cells. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that the synthesized phenothiazine derivatives exhibited behavior characteristic of molecular glasses, with glass transition and melting temperatures in the range of 42-91 and 165-198 °C, respectively. Based on cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry measurements, it was evident that their lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) (-3.01--3.14 eV) and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) (-5.28--5.33 eV) values were fitted to the TiO2 conduction band and the redox energy of I-/I3- in electrolyte, respectively. The experimental results were supported by density functional theory, which was also utilized for estimation of the adsorption energy of the dyes on the TiO2 and its size. Finally, the compounds were tested in dye-sensitized solar cells, which were characterized based on current-voltage measurements. Additionally, for the compound giving the best photovoltaic response, the efficiency of the DSSCs was optimized by a photoanode modification involving the use of cosensitization and coadsorption approaches and the introduction of a blocking layer. Subsequently, two types of tandem dye-sensitized solar cells were constructed, which resulted in an increase in photovoltaic efficiency to 6.37%, as compared to DSSCs before modifications, with a power conversion value of 2.50%.

Optimization of Charge Extraction and Interconnecting Layers for Highly Efficient Perovskite/Organic Tandem Solar Cells with High Fill Factor.

Perovskite/organic tandem solar cells (POTSCs) have garnered significant attention due to their potential for achieving high photovoltaic (PV) performance. However, the reported power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and fill factors (FFs) are still subpar due to the challenges associated with charge extraction in the organic bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) and significant energy losses in the interconnecting layers (ICLs). Here, a quaternary organic BHJ blend is developed to enhance the charge extraction in the organic subcell, contributing to an increased FF of ≥78% under 1 sun illumination and even more under lower illumination intensities. Meanwhile, energy losses in the ICLs are reduced via the incorporation of a self-assembly monolayer (SAM), (4-(3,6-Dimethyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)butyl)phosphonic acid (Me-4PACz), in organic BHJ to form a MoOx/SAM interface and the thorough control of the MoOx thickness to suppress parasitic absorption. The resultant POTSCs achieve a remarkable PCE of 25.56% (certified: 24.65%), with a record FF of 83.62%, which is among the highest PCEs of POTSCs and the highest FF of all types of perovskite-based tandem solar cells (TSCs) till now. This work proves the optimization of charge extraction and ICLs are effective strategies to promote the performance of POTSCs to surpass other solution-processed perovskite-based TSCs in the near future.

Four-Terminal Double-Junction Solar Cells Consisting of a Mesoscopic Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cell and an Inverted Narrow-Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cell with Spectral Splitting System

The spectral splitting system is one of the hybridization method to convine different solar cells to improve energy conversion efficiency by dividing sunlight into different spectral ranges. This technique is particularly valuable because different materials exhibit distinct spectral responses. By employing multiple types of solar cells optimized for different parts of the solar spectrum, overall panel efficiency can be increased compared to using a single type of solar cell. Implementing this technique requires careful design and engineering to ensure efficient spectral splitting and maximize electricity output from each type of solar cell. The organometal halide perovskite solar cell (PSC) exhibits a wide range of adjustable band gaps depending on its composition. To attain high efficiency in two-junction PSCs, combination of "mesoscopic" Pb-PSC with an "inverted" Sn-Pb mixed PSC is useful approach. In this study, a four-terminal spectral splitting double junction solar cell was fabricated by combining a mesoscopic-structure Pb-PSC and an inverted-structure Sn-Pb PSC, employing a dichroic mirror to split incident light into long and short wavelengths.In the experimental setup for the wide-bandgap top cell, initial steps involved the fabrication of compact and mesoscopic structure tin oxide layers on an FTO substrate. Subsequently, several wide-bandgap perovskite absorbers were spin-coated. Then, Spiro-OMeTAD was spin-coated onto the absorber layer, followed by thermal evaporation of gold. For the fabrication of the narrow-bandgap inverted PSC, a layer of PEDOT:PSS was spin-coated onto the FTO substrate. Then several narrow-bandgap perovskite absorbers were spin-coated. Finally, fullerene, bathocuproine, and silver were thermally evaporated onto the substrate. Finally, a four-terminal spectral splitting tandem solar cell was fabricated by combining the wide-bandgap mesoscopic structure top cell and the narrow-bandgap inverted structure bottom cell.J-V measurements conducted at several split wavelengths revealed a photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of over 20% for the top cell and about 5% for the bottom cell was obtained. However, the result showed that there is still room for improvement in bottom cell performance. As a result, the bandgap of narrow-bandgap perovskite was reduced by adjusting the ratio of tin and lead such as Cs0.025FA0.475MA0.5Sn0.6Pb0.4I3. This adjustment extended the optical absorption region of bottom cell to slightly longer wavelengths, as measured by EQE. Subsequently, the J-V measurements revealed a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 20.1 % for the top cell and 5.36 % for the bottom cell at the 801 nm split. The total PCE of 25.5 % was obtained, surpassing previous results.

(Invited) Materials and Processes Developments for the Commercialization of Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) can be the lightweight film type of solar cells from their bendable characteristics of the perovskite layers. However, performance improvements are still needed, such as long-term durability and the development of large-area deposition processes for commercialisation.To this end, we are working on the development of high durability technology and cell manufacturing technology to lead the mass production of perovskite solar cells. We are also working on methods for analysing perovskite solar cells and technology for evaluating their performance and reliability. This presentation will introduce the research and development activities at AIST for the commercialisation of perovskite solar cells.We would like to thank NEDO for supporting the R&D projects for perovskite solar cells (JPNP21016).

Fabrication of Modules for Water Electrolysis Using Organic Solar Cells with Non-Fullerene Acceptors

Hydrogen energy is expected to contribute to a decarbonized society because it does not emit CO2 during combustion. In particular, CO2 emissions from hydrogen production can also be prevented by utilizing renewable energy such as solar light and wind power. As water electrolysis is one of major hydrogen production methods, combination of water electrolysis and solar cell can make hydrogen production without CO2 emission. However, single solar cells usually have not enough voltage to electrolyze water. Therefore, modularization of several solar cell units is needed to electrolyze water to hydrogen. We have fabricated organic thin-film solar cells using organic materials in the photoelectric conversion layer and have aimed to achieve highly efficient conversion of light energy to hydrogen energy through water electrolysis using these cells. In this study, we fabricated solar cell modules for water electrolysis using two donor polymers, P3HT and PBDB-T and fullerene derivative, PC61BM and two non-fullerene acceptors, ITIC and IT-4F. The solar cell architecture consisted of indium tin oxide (ITO) cathode/ZnO/photoactive layer/MoO3/Ag anode. ZnO was deposited by sol-gel method, polymer donor:fullerene or non-fullerene acceptor by spin coating method, and MoO3 and Ag by vacuum deposition method. First, three types of solar cells composed of A fullerene-based P3HT:PC61BM, non-fullerene-based PBDB-T:IT-4F and PBDB-T:ITIC were fabricated, and their performance was evaluated using a solar simulator. The short-circuit current density (Jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc) were increased by changing to the non-fullerene system, indicating that the non-fullerene system has longer wavelength absorption and larger energy gap between HOMO of donor polymer and LUMO of acceptor, respectively. In addition, the PBDB-T:ITIC system was expected to reduce the number of series solar cell units in the module for water electrolysis because Voc was higher than that of the PBDB-T:IT-4F system. The photovoltaic performance of the PBDB-T:ITIC system was then evaluated by changing film thickness in the PBDB-T:ITIC solar cell. Jsc reached its maximum at the film thickness indicating absorbance of 0.73 at 637 nm, while Voc did not depend on film thickness, and the fill factor (FF) decreased with increasing film thickness. As a result, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) was achieved to be 6.75%. Currently, the maximum output voltage (Vmax) is 0.63 V. Therefore, it was found that a module with three single solar cell units connected in series on the same substrate was required in order to achieve above the voltage of 1.23 V, which is thermodynamically necessary for water electrolysis.3-cell series module with an area of 1.16 cm2 per cell were fabricated and their performance was evaluated. As a result, ideally, a 3-cell series module would have similar Jsc to that of a single solar cell, and Voc becomes about 3 times that of a single solar cell. However, the 3-cell series module has a particularly low FF of 0.40 compared to 0.48 for the single solar cell, resulting in decrease in PCE to 4.38%. To investigate the effect of cell area, single-cell solar cells with 1.16 and 0.126 cm2 were then fabricated and evaluated for performance. Jsc and Voc are comparable whereas FF is 0.57 for the small area, while it is lower at 0.48 for the large one. This indicates that an increase in area leads to an increase in series resistance and a decrease in FF. In addition, to investigate the effect of module structure, we evaluated the performance of 3 single solar cells with a cell area of 1.16 cm2 connected in series and parallel by crocodile clip. As a result, a large decrease in FF was observed for both connections, suggesting that crosstalk happened, caused by that ZnO, the electron transport layer was uniformly coated on the substrate. We will examine whether the performance of single solar cells can be maintained by changing the module structure.

Preparation and Characterization of Transferable Encapsulated Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The increasing demand for sustainable energy as a means to combat the impact of climate change is addressed via a novel concept in the present work. Herein presented are developed transferable encapsulated dye-sensitized solar cells, canonically “solar capsules”, for photovoltaic applications on alternative surfaces, such as facades. The solar capsule assembly houses all the components necessary for photovoltaic energy conversion, enclosed within a semiconductor nanotubular array, making them truly unique in their construction. This capsule-style unit enables an easy transfer and draft onto a wide range of materials and surfaces for photovoltaic functionalization and applications. This type of dye-sensitized solar cell typically consists of transferred solar capsules and two additional electrodes. The design and construction of solar capsules means they have a high economic viability as they can seamlessly be up-scaled using commercially established techniques such as anodization and subsequent functionalization. This work demonstrates a working model of such transferable solar capsules by fabricating TiO2 nanotubes that are functionalized via facile dip- and spin-coating techniques in a wet lab at ambient conditions. These prototypes are characterized in bulk and are thoroughly investigated at the nanoscale for information on the chemical distribution of the constituents, as they may be influenced during the manufacturing process.

Through analysis of three-generation solar cells, predict the future potential for solar-powered cars

In today's world, the problem of global warming is becoming increasingly serious, leading to natural disasters. One of the main causes of global warming is the emission of carbon dioxide. There are hundreds of millions of cars worldwide that contain a lot of carbon dioxide in their exhaust emissions, and in the future more and more. So now mankind needs a way to solve this problem. The development and promotion of solar cars is a good way to reduce car exhaust emissions. The role, market size and prospects of solar vehicles are presented in this article. By summarizing the different types of solar cells in different literature, the working principles of the first, second and third generation solar cell, as well as their advantages and disadvantages, are analysed. By studying the properties of these batteries, the performance of the fourth generation of new solar cells is predicted and some individual opinions are presented.

Chalcogenides in Perovskite Solar Cells with a Carbon Electrode: State of the Art and Future Prospects.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been on the forefront of advanced research for over a decade, achieving constantly increasing power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), while their route towards commercialization is currently under intensive progress. Towards this target, there has been a turn to PSCs that employ a carbon electrode (C-PSCs) for the elimination of metal back contacts, which increase the cost of corresponding devices while at the same time have a severe impact on their stability. Chalcogenides are chemical compounds that contain at least one chalcogen element, typically sulfur (S), selenium (Se), or tellurium (Te), combined with one metallic element. They possess semiconducting properties and have been proven to have beneficial effects when incorporated in a variety of solar cell types, including dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs), and Organic Solar Cells (OSCs), either as interlayers or added in the active layers. Currently, an increasing number of studies have highlighted their potential for achieving high-performing and stable PSCs. In this review, the most promising results of the latest studies regarding the implementation of chalcogenides in PSCs with a carbon electrode are presented and discussed, merging two research trends that are currently on the spotlight of solar cell technology.

A Horizontal Double‐Sided Copper Metallization Technology Designed for Solar Cell Mass‐Production

ABSTRACTIn the international photovoltaic market, the “carbon footprint” label has received great attention, and low‐carbon footprint products are widely popular. Compared with metallic silver, copper has the characteristics of low carbon emissions and low cost, which can effectively reduce the carbon footprint. Based on this, this article reports a horizontal double‐sided copper metallization technology. This technology can not only metalize the front and back sides of various types of silicon solar cells at the same time but also has fast speed, good uniformity, and simple process, making it suitable for the industrial mass production of solar cells. This article describes the structure and manufacturing process of TOPCon solar cells patterned with an ultrashort pulse laser and metalized using this novel horizontal double‐sided copper metallization technology. In this batch, average efficiency reached above 26%.

A detailed optical thermo-electrical model for better thermal analysis of bifacial PV systems

Converting sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic (PV) technology is an effective solution to address the challenges of energy shortage and environmental protection. Bifacial (bPV) is a new type of solar cell that has advantages over monofacial (mPV) generation in that it can receive energy from both sides and produce more electrical energy, which has given rise to hope for PV. Thermal analysis, optical and electrical analyses are essential for bPV modeling. As temperature increases, the performance of a solar module decreases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of a 550 W bPV panel in Tehran, Iran through optical, thermal, and electrical evaluations. In addition to the produced power and bifacial gain for the electrical measurement of the panel and comparing it with the mPV, thermal resistance has also been studied to investigate the importance of conductive, convective, and radiant heat transfer. It was discovered that the bPV produces 13.90 % more energy per year than the mPV. In terms of heat transfer, radiative thermal resistance contributes 63.08 % while conductive thermal resistance contributes only 0.57 %. This exhibits that the solar panel can be viewed as an integrated layer to simplify modeling.

Nanoimprint Lithography for Solar Cell Applications

Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) has emerged as a noteworthy technology in the realm of fabricating micro- and nanostructures with anti-reflective characteristics for diverse solar cell applications. This advanced technique presents a cost-effective approach, accompanied by a vast array of design versatility, thereby facilitating enhanced flexibility in optimizing the efficiency of photovoltaic systems. NIL boasts a multitude of applications across nearly all solar cell types. This article delves into the utilization of NIL and its influence on power conversion efficiency within various solar cell categories, encompassing silicon-based solar cells (including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, amorphous, microcrystalline, and silicon heterojunction solar cells), third-generation solar cells (such as copper indium gallium diselenide, dye-sensitized, perovskite, and organic solar cells), compound solar cells, nanowire-based solar cells, and bio-inspired solar cell structures. By capitalizing on the multiscale textures achievable through the NIL process, substantial advancements can be made in further elevating the performance of solar cells.

Applications of Two-dimensional Materials in Perovskite Solar Cells

As a new type of solar cell, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) exhibit significant potential due to the high performance. In recent years, they have garnered substantial attention due to their impressive photovoltaic conversion efficiency, low production costs, malleability, and other advantageous characteristics. However, there remains considerable room for the improvement in the performance of perovskite solar cells. Key factors that critically influence their performance include the charge transport layer, electrode materials, and overall cell structure. Two-dimensional (2D) materials, as emerging substances, facilitate the modifications of PSCs and enhance the electronic conduction. In this paper, a concise overview of perovskite solar cells is provided, followed by a summary of the current progress in enhancing their performance. The applications of 2D materials in the solar cell sector are highlighted. Finally, the existing challenges and issues confronting perovskite solar cells are discussed. This work will help promote the application of 2D materials in PSCs.

Honeycomb shaped carbon dopped 1T-2H-MoS2 heterojunction counter electrode with high short current for dye sensitized solar cells

Recent years have witnessed energy crises in various regions and the utilization of new energy is crucial. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are the third generation of photovoltaic cells that are expected to be more cost-effective than other types of solar cells. In this work, we report the synthesis of 1T-2H-MoS2/honeycomb shaped carbon (HSC) heterojunction composite counter electrodes for DSSCs via adding porous carbon in the facile hydrothermal method. The effects of HSC on the morphology, structure, electrochemical and photoelectric conversion properties of the 1T-2H-MoS2/HSC composites were investigated systematically. Both the results of electrochemical and photoelectric measurement suggest the excellent performance of the reduction of I3- and the regeneration of dye. The whole cell assembled with the MoS2/HSC-5.0 counter electrode achieved a short current density 22.24 mA∙cm−2 and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.42 %, which is significantly higher than that of the pure MoS2 electrode (5.89 %) and Platinum electrode (6.76 %), implying the MoS2/HSC-5.0 composite is a promising candidate for counter electrodes catalyst of DSSCs.

A Computational Study on Performance Analysis of Different Types of Tandem Solar Cells

A Computational Study on Performance Analysis of Different Types of Tandem Solar Cells

Customizing Aniline-Derived Molecular Structures to Attain beyond 22 % Efficient Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells.

The characteristics of the soft component and the ionic-electronic nature in all-inorganic CsPbI3-xBrx perovskite typically lead to a significant number of halide vacancy defects and ions migration, resulting in a reduction in both photovoltaic efficiency and stability. Herein, we present a tailored approach in which both anion-fixation and undercoordinated-Pb passivation are achieved in situ during crystallization by employing a molecule derived from aniline, specifically 2-methoxy-5-trifluoromethylaniline (MFA), to address the above challenges. The incorporation of MFA into the perovskite film results in a pronounced inhibition of ion migration, a significant reduction in trap density, an enhancement in grain size, an extension of charge carrier lifetime, and a more favorable alignment of energy levels. These advantageous characteristics contribute to achieving a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.14 % for the MFA-based CsPbI3-xBrx perovskite solar cells (PSCs), representing the highest efficiency reported thus far for this type of inorganic metal halide perovskite solar cells, to the best of our knowledge. Moreover, the resultant PSCs exhibits higher environmental stability and photostability. This strategy is anticipated to offer significant advantages for large-area fabrication, particularly in terms of simplicity.